Choices for modest gaming case?

DragonQ · 24 Oct 2011 at 14:42

Hi guys, I'm going to be building a rig with the following spec:

- ASRock Z68 Extreme4 Gen3
- Core i7-2600K
- Noctua NH-D14
- AMD Radeon HD 6850 (1 GiB)
- Cooler Master Elite 500 W

...and I need a case for it all. The CPU will be overclocked but I have the Noctua and also 3 very good 12 cm case fans so I don't think cooling will be an issue. I'm looking for something a bit smaller and cheaper than my Cooler Master CM690 since this rig will only have two HDDs and one ODD in it. I like PSU-at-the-bottom designs and great cable management would be ideal.

Any suggestions? Looking to spend £50 or less, unless there's a good reason to go higher. Is the Antec 300 still the de facto choice here?

pgi947 · 24 Oct 2011 at 19:41

The zalman Z9 could be another that fits the bill, also allot of fans here of the bitfenix shinobi.

King Damager · 24 Oct 2011 at 20:09

Bitfenix Shinobi!

Zalman Z9 isn't a bad choice though.

Doubt you'll find better for the money!

kd

SamPazz · 24 Oct 2011 at 22:49

Zalman Z9 Plus, nice looking case with a decent amount of room for an aftermarket cooler

DragonQ · 25 Oct 2011 at 11:40

The Z9 looks great, although I think I'd prefer the non-plus model since a side window would annoy me (the left side of the case faces my bed so LEDs would be distracting if I ever left the PC on overnight) and I don't really need a fan regulator.

The Bitfenix Shinobi also looks very good. In fact, I can't see much difference between them. Does anyone who has used both have a preference? The Shinobi looks easier to get (the non-plus Z9 is tricky to find for a good price).

Preci · 25 Oct 2011 at 13:30

even with the non plus version there are still punched out hex desing on the side so light still comes through. iv got a Z9 on waterand still quite a lot of room after some modding, i dont think lenth of card is a issue ither with the Z9. you could always get some black duck tape or somethin along those lines to cover the side up??

SamPazz · 25 Oct 2011 at 13:48

DragonQ said:
The Z9 looks great, although I think I'd prefer the non-plus model since a side window would annoy me (the left side of the case faces my bed so LEDs would be distracting if I ever left the PC on overnight) and I don't really need a fan regulator.

The Bitfenix Shinobi also looks very good. In fact, I can't see much difference between them. Does anyone who has used both have a preference? The Shinobi looks easier to get (the non-plus Z9 is tricky to find for a good price).

yeah, i have mine next to my bed to and if i leave it on overnight its like leaving a light on